MEXT Scholarship Recipient, Bintang Bondan Ernowo from Indonesia, Shares His Journey Studying Integrated Global Studies at Hiroshima University

Hi everyone! My name is Bintang Bondan Ernowo, but most people call me Bondan. I am 19 years old, born in Semarang, and I have spent half of my life in Yogyakarta. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Global Studies at Hiroshima University under the MEXT Scholarship.

I chose Integrated Global Studies because I am passionate about understanding global interconnections and learning how to address worldwide challenges. My goal is to acquire knowledge and skills that can help tackle issues like climate change, inequality, and sustainable development.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I was awarded the MEXT Scholarship through the University Recommendation route. This scholarship covers tuition, round-trip airfare, and provides a monthly stipend of 117,000 yen, which is sufficient to live comfortably as a student in Hiroshima. Receiving this scholarship allows me to focus fully on my studies, research, and personal growth without financial worries.

Other Scholarships

I did not apply for other scholarships. Hiroshima University was my first and only choice, and I dedicated all my efforts to preparing a strong application.

Educational Background and Achievements

I completed my secondary education at Muhammadiyah 1 Senior High School in Yogyakarta, following the national curriculum. During high school, I was deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular activities:

• Basketball Team: We were runner-up in the DBL Yogyakarta Series, which strengthened my teamwork and discipline
• School Festival Committees: Participating in organizing events helped me develop leadership and organizational skills
• Volunteer Work: I actively joined community service projects, demonstrating social responsibility
• Part-Time Work: I contributed to IGPA (Indonesia Green Principal Award), supporting programs that teach school principals about sustainability and ways to integrate it into their schools

I believe these experiences showed the admissions committee that I am not only academically capable but also committed to making a positive impact on society.

Preparing and Applying to Hiroshima University and MEXT Scholarship

For my university application, I needed to submit several supporting documents, including:

• My high school diploma
• Certificates from competitions and extracurricular activities
• Proof of volunteer work and part-time job experience
• A recommendation letter from my school principal

I also had to meet academic requirements, which included:

• National standardized test results (depending on the applicant’s country)
• English proficiency test – IELTS, scored 7.5
• Two essays explaining my motivations, what I expected to learn at Hiroshima University, and how I would use that knowledge in the future

After deciding to apply to Hiroshima University, I spent most of my time contacting their admissions email to clarify questions about the program, application procedures, and required documents. This direct communication helped me ensure that I fully understood the process and submitted everything correctly.

To prepare my essays and gather the necessary documents, I reflected deeply on my experiences and goals, writing honestly about my motivations and aspirations. I also had a tutor who guided me through the process, teaching me techniques to visualize my objectives and build confidence, which helped me express my vision clearly.

Once I was accepted into the Integrated Global Studies program, Hiroshima University announced me as a MEXT Scholarship Nominee. I then completed additional forms to confirm my acceptance, which the university sent to the embassy. After this process, I officially became a MEXT scholarship recipient.

Experience at Hiroshima University

Campus life in Hiroshima has been extremely positive. People are open and friendly, and I quickly felt a sense of belonging despite our diverse backgrounds. My professors are engaged and enthusiastic, making learning enjoyable even though English is not their first language. Most courses are conducted in English, and Japanese language courses are available for those interested in learning the language.

The International Student Support Office has been essential in helping me settle into daily life, including housing, paperwork, and understanding local services. Their support made the transition to living in Japan much smoother.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe my application stood out because I clearly communicated my passion for learning and my ability to adapt to new environments. I presented detailed plans for my future, showing that I had a concrete vision for my career and the impact I want to make globally. Combined with my extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and part-time job experience, this demonstrated that I am motivated, socially engaged, and ready to contribute both academically and personally.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize there are a few things I would have done differently:

Learning Japanese earlier: While not required for university courses, knowing Japanese would have made daily life, opening a bank account, and finding part-time work easier

Academic writing preparation: Practicing reading and writing academic papers before arriving in Japan would have helped me adapt more quickly to university-level work

Advice for Future Applicants

Start preparing early and dedicate time to writing strong essays and practicing for the required tests. Be genuine in your motivation letter. Share your true passion rather than what you think the committee wants to hear. Highlight your long-term goals and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Maintain balance during the preparation process. Take breaks, spend time with friends and family, and make sure to enjoy small daily moments. Most importantly, believe in yourself. The MEXT Scholarship is competitive, but with careful preparation, determination, and authenticity, it is absolutely attainable.